The Syracuse University football team defeats Rutgers on Nov. 13 to improve to 7-3 and become bowl eligible, I assume it is going bowling. I learn the Big East now has seven eligible teams (counting Notre Dame) for six bowl slots, and I begin to worry.

SU coach Doug Marrone assures me las week there will not be 70 bowl-eligible teams to fill every slot in the 35 bowl games on tap for this season, and I stop worrying. I learn there are indeed 70 bowl eligible teams as of today with four more on the fence, and I begin to worry again.

Welcome to my world. When I worry, I start sending emails. First, I tried Sue Edson, SU’s assistant AD in charge of athletics communications. She told me she was hearing no vibes that SU could get passed over even after losing its final two games to finish the season 7-5.

Then I emailed Nick Carparelli, the Big East Conference senior associate commissioner in charge of football, and confessed my doubts. His response:

“Dave: You can feel confident in reporting that Syracuse will go to a bowl. You can quote me if you want. Syracuse will be playing in a bowl game this year.”

Nick added that SU’s destination won’t be known until after Saturday’s games, but his assurance has eased my worries. For now.